An Ode to Black History Month
A look at one of my favorite athletes in Black history
Happy Friday, everyone! It is the last day of Black History Month, and I would be remiss if I didn’t dedicate space to talk about what is dear to me.
When I was growing up, when I would come home and tell my parents about what I learned in school, I would undoubtedly talk about my favorite class, history. Like most Americans, in class we talked about the timeline of the United States and eras that were defining to what shaped us today. My parents would always follow up with the question, “what do you think Black people were doing during that time?”
My parents didn’t ask me that question to humiliate me but rather to challenge me. Looking back, I am glad that they did because it forced me to not only be curious but to be proud of who I am and appreciate the efforts of those who came before me.
One of the heroes that came to mind during my childhood was Bill Russell. Bill Russell could be considered the first Black superstar in the history of the NBA, winning 11 championships in 13 years. Despite being such a great winner, Russell still faced discrimination during his career with his house in Boston in several ways.
In 1961, Russell decided to start taking stances on the blatant racism that he faced. Before an exhibition game in Lexington, Kentucky, Russell and his Black teammates were refused service at a restaurant. This lead to the Celtics refusing to play and flying back home. When asked about the boycott, Russell said, “I am not a basketball player. I am a man who plays basketball.” This spoke volumes because this was Russell taking a stance in a fight for human dignity rather than just simply an object for fans entertainment. The obvious statement on identity still rings true today for athletes and impacts my urgency and passion to help athletes realize that they can be more that the jersey that they wear.
Russell also had run-ins with other influential people around that time. In 1963, at the March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I have a Dream” speech, Russell marched alongside King. Soon Russell adopted King’s approach of nonviolence but he also made his platform one of economic empowerment and racial equality.
Russell broke barriers for Black people in leadership roles in sports as well. In 1966 during a time of tense racial tension, Russell became the NBA’s first Black head coach. What is most impressive is that he did this all while still playing. Russell went on to win two championships as player coach.
On June 4, 1967 Bill Russell joined other big names in sports at the time in Cleveland for what was called The Cleveland Summit. Organized by Hall of Fame runningback and movie star, Jim Brown the athletes got together to discuss the protest of boxing star Muhammad Ali refusing to fight in Vietnam.
Born in Louisville, KY as Cassius Clay, Ali had quickly become a lighting rod of attention in both sports and the political world for his boldness and humor when speaking of racism in America. However, the biggest and most controversial fight for the heavyweight champion came outside of the ring and was against the United States government. In 1967, Ali was drafted to fight in the Vietnam war. Ali immediately refused to fight citing the hupocrisy of America in treating its Black citizens as second-class. When asked why he famously replied, “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong. No Viet Cong ever called me a [redacted].” The backlash from his refusal cost Ali his title, banned him from boxing for three years and he faced a five-year prison sentence (which he never served).
The goal of the Cleveland Summit was to discuss Ali’s decision and what, as athletes with prominent platforms, should they do collectively going forward. The conclusion of the Summit saw the most popular athletes in the country and perhaps the world at the time, come together to support Ali and his decision. They felt as if it was their duty to use their influence for justice and not simply personal gain. The Cleveland Summit can be seen as a significant moment in sports history in the United States because it was the first time that Black athletes came together for a political cause. This also set the stage for collective athlete activism in years to come.
Russell’s influence still rings today in the world of athlete activism. in 2020, following the fatal shooting of Jacob Blake, players organized a boycott of the games, refusing to play until certain conditions were met. Probably the most notable usage of athlete activism was when Colin Kaepernick decided to take a knee during the national athem to protest for police reform.
Bill Russell changed the way we view athletes in society. Despite being the greatest winner of all time, he proved that his role was much bigger than winning championships. His career can be defined by one of courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Rusell died on July 31, 2022 but his legacy defines much of what I value about Black History in America. It is one that was forged in opposition, fights for good and, is hopeful for positive change in the future. I love this month because it reminds me that no matter what we face, we are not defined by those things and that collectively, no matter how grim the outlook, we can make positive changes for the future. Russell’s life remains a great and timely reminder for today.
Thank you so much for reading! Do you have an favorite heroes in Black history? Let me know.
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